Camping in Iceland: Complete Guide for 2026
Camping is one of the most practical and cost-effective ways to travel around Iceland, particularly for the Ring Road circuit. The campsite infrastructure is well-developed, the scenery is excellent, and the long summer daylight means late evenings are fully usable. Understanding the rules — especially around wild camping and the Camping Card system — makes the logistics straightforward.
The Camping Card System
The Iceland Camping Card (campingcard.is) covers unlimited nights at over 170 registered campsites for two adults for 28 consecutive nights. As of 2026, the card costs approximately ISK 21,900.
For context: individual campsite fees typically run ISK 1,800–3,200 per adult per night. At two adults paying ISK 2,200/person/night, four nights covers the card cost. For a 10–14 day Ring Road trip, the card pays for itself significantly.
The card is valid at sites operated by the Icelandic Touring Association (Ferðafélag Íslands) and other registered partners. Coverage is good across the Ring Road — most major South Coast, East Fjords, North Iceland, and West Iceland sites are included. The campingcard.is website has a map of all participating sites.
What the card covers: Two adults. Children under 16 are typically free at participating sites. Showers and electricity hookups may require additional payment at some sites.
Purchase: Online at campingcard.is, at BSÍ bus terminal in Reykjavík, or at the first campsite you arrive at.
Wild Camping Rules
Wild camping in Iceland outside designated areas is generally not permitted. The relevant regulation restricts pitching a tent on private or public land without landowner permission, and in practice the vast majority of accessible land in Iceland falls under this restriction.
In the highlands and truly remote areas away from farms and managed land, the rules are less strictly enforced, but this requires experience navigating terrain and identifying land status.
The practical approach: Use designated campsites. Iceland’s campsite network is extensive enough that you will rarely be more than 50–80 km from a registered site on main routes. Wild camping adjacent to towns or tourist sites is likely to attract attention and may result in a fine.
Campervan Rental
A campervan eliminates the need to pitch a tent each night and is a practical option for Ring Road trips. Most campervans in Iceland are equipped with a small kitchen, sleeping platform, and some storage.
Cost as of 2026:
- Small 2-berth campervan (2WD): approximately ISK 25,000–40,000/day
- Larger 4-berth campervan (2WD): approximately ISK 40,000–60,000/day
- 4WD campervan (for F-roads): from approximately ISK 50,000–75,000/day
These prices are summer rates; off-season is lower. Most companies require a security deposit of ISK 150,000–300,000 on credit card.
Named campervan rental companies: Happy Campers (happycampers.is), Cozy Campers (cozycampers.is), and Go Campers (gocampers.is) are among the larger operators. Most are based at or near Keflavík Airport for pick-up and drop-off.
For F-roads, you need a 4WD campervan and should check that your rental company explicitly permits F-road use — not all do. See our Iceland car rental guide for insurance considerations that apply equally to campervans.
Best Campsite Regions
South Coast
The South Coast has some of Iceland’s most used and best-equipped campsites. Skógafoss campsite (near the waterfall) and the campsite at Reynisfjara are close to major tourist sites. Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park has a large, well-maintained campsite with good facilities.
Skaftafell Campsite: Fee approximately ISK 2,200/person/night (as of 2026) — not covered by the Camping Card as a national park site. Hot showers and basic cooking facilities available. Book ahead for July.
Ring Road (East and North)
Campsites along the eastern Ring Road tend to be quieter and less crowded than the South Coast. The campsite at Höfn (near Jökulsárlón) is well-located for glacier access. Seyðisfjörður in the East Fjords has a campsite at the centre of one of Iceland’s most photogenic towns.
Þórsmörk (Thorsmork)
Þórsmörk is a glacial valley at the end of Route F249 in the southern highlands, popular as the terminus (or start) of the Laugavegur hiking trail. The campsite here books out months in advance for July and August. Book as early as possible — this is one of the few Iceland campsites where advance reservations are essential rather than recommended.
Access: F249 requires a 4WD and involves a river crossing. Buses from Reykjavík (Reykjavík Excursions and Trex) run to Þórsmörk in summer.
Westfjords
The Westfjords campsite network is less dense but the scenery is among Iceland’s best. Facilities are more basic than the South Coast. Ísafjörður has a well-equipped campsite in the region’s main town.
What to Pack for Iceland Camping
Tent: A four-season or sturdy three-season tent rated to handle wind — Icelandic wind can be intense even in July. Test pegs on hard ground before arrival; bring extra stakes.
Sleeping bag: Rated to at least -5°C even in summer. Nights can drop to 4–8°C in July.
Clothing layers: Waterproof outer layer (jacket and trousers), insulating mid-layer, thermal base layer, waterproof boots. Weather changes within the hour — always carry rain gear even on clear days.
Cooking: Portable gas stoves are available in Reykjavík (Víkin and other outdoor shops). Gas canisters are sold at petrol stations and outdoor stores. Most campsites have communal kitchen facilities with hot plates.
Sleep: The midnight sun means it does not get dark in June and July. A good eye mask and earplugs are essential for sleep quality. Many campsites are near busy car parks.
Season
Camping season: June through August for reliable conditions. Some sites open from mid-May and stay open to mid-September.
Outside June–August, expect:
- Many campsites closed
- Shorter daylight (particularly October onward)
- Colder temperatures — overnight lows below 0°C in September/October
- Fewer facilities at open sites
Winter camping in Iceland is done by experienced cold-weather campers only and requires expedition-grade equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you wild camp in Iceland?
- Wild camping (pitching a tent anywhere outside designated sites) is generally prohibited in most of Iceland. The Regulation on the Use of Uninhabited Land changed rules significantly — outside designated camping areas, you need landowner permission to camp. In practice, camping at designated campsites is the norm and the infrastructure is good. The Camping Card gives access to 170+ sites.
- What is the Iceland Camping Card?
- The Iceland Camping Card (campingcard.is) is a card that gives two adults unlimited access to over 170 designated campsites across Iceland for 28 consecutive nights. As of 2026, it costs approximately ISK 21,900. This represents significant savings if you are camping for more than a few nights — individual site fees typically run ISK 1,800–3,200 per person per night.
- What is the best time to camp in Iceland?
- June through August is the main camping season — the longest daylight hours, the warmest temperatures, and the most campsite facilities operating. July is the warmest month. Outside this window, many campsites close and the weather becomes significantly harder. Some sites stay open into September for experienced campers.
- How much does campervan rental cost in Iceland?
- As of 2026, a small 2-berth campervan costs approximately ISK 25,000–40,000 per day in summer. Larger 4-berth campervans run approximately ISK 40,000–60,000/day. 4WD campervans (for F-road access) start from approximately ISK 50,000/day. Prices include the van — campsites, fuel, and insurance are additional.